If My Child Has Cerebral Palsy, Who Will Pay for All of the Medical Expenses?
When you dreamed of having a family, you planned for a laundry list of expenses: a well-equipped nursery, clothing, bottles and formula. And, of course, you would give your child the best experiences possible as she grew up: summer camp, sports, music lessons, a formal education, and some day perhaps a wedding.
Astronomical medical, therapy, and equipment bills never crossed your mind.
For parents of children with cerebral palsy, the reality of the costs entailed can be devastating. According to figures published by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), the average lifetime cost for a person with cerebral palsy is $921,000 (2003 dollars). This figure does not account for out of pocket expenses, which may include:
- Hospital stays or residential care
- Adaptive equipment (e.g. bike: $2,000; toileting chair: $1,000)
- Leg braces, walker, or wheel chair ($3,000)
- Medication
- Housing modifications to enable improved mobility (e.g. wheelchair access)
By the time your child reaches the end of her life, the total cost to cover her needs will be staggering. Yet few American’s have such funds readily available to them. Who will ensure your child has the support she needs to live a healthy and productive life?
Who Will Take Care of My Child When I’m Gone?
Once you grasp the news that your child may be disabled for the rest of his life, you need to know he will be well cared for when you are gone.
When planning for the future, be sure to consider the following potential costs:
- Special residential care
- Long term medicinal requirements
- Suitable therapies
- Education
- Funeral expenses (yours, your family’s, your child’s)
Relying on government support through Medicaid or Medicare puts your child’s future at risk, as does counting on Social Security benefits.
Ensure Your Child Has a Sound Financial Future
The most important thing you can do for your child is to find out if her cerebral palsy could have been prevented. If your doctor failed you and your baby in any way, you may be entitled to lifetime financial support—and you could begin focusing on your family’s happiness instead of looming medical bills.
Be your child’s best advocate and talk to an expert. It could change how you look at the future.
Contact 4MYCHILD today and see if your child is eligible for Benefits4Life.
